Top ten Arsenal transfer stories

As the January 2025 transfer window opens, Arsenal have been linked with several potential signings to strengthen their squad. Here are ten reported targets, along with an assessment of the likelihood of each transfer occurring, rated on a scale from 1 to 10:

1. Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)

• Position: Striker

• Likelihood: 5/10

• Analysis: Arsenal have shown interest in Šeško, but he recently extended his contract with Leipzig, making a January move challenging.

2. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)

• Position: Striker

• Likelihood: 4/10

• Analysis: Isak is a long-term target for Arsenal, but Newcastle's reluctance to sell mid-season at a realistic price lowers the chances of a January transfer.

3. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

• Position: Winger

• Likelihood: 6/10

• Analysis: With a reported £50 million release clause, Williams is an attainable target. His loyalty to Bilbao could be a hurdle, but Arsenal's need for a winger due to Bukayo Saka's injury might prompt a move.

4. Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich)

• Position: Winger

• Likelihood: 3/10

• Analysis: While Sané would be a high-profile addition, Bayern Munich are unlikely to part with him mid-season, making this transfer improbable.

5. Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion)

• Position: Striker

• Likelihood: 5/10

• Analysis: Arsenal have been linked with Ferguson, but Brighton are hesitant to let him go in January, apparently. There are some concerns about his injury record.

6. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon)

• Position: Striker

• Likelihood: 4/10

• Analysis: Gyökeres has been prolific for Sporting, attracting Arsenal's interest. However, his release clause and Sporting's mid-season stance make a January move less likely.

7. Jonathan David (Lille OSC)

• Position: Striker

• Likelihood: 5/10

• Analysis: David's contract situation makes him an appealing target. Arsenal could negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a summer move, but a January transfer would require a fee.

8. Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

• Position: Forward

• Likelihood: 3/10

• Analysis: Thuram's importance to Inter and their Serie A ambitions make a mid-season transfer to Arsenal unlikely.

9. Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona)

• Position: Attacking Midfielder

• Likelihood: 2/10

• Analysis: Olmo's recent move to Barcelona and his integral role in their plans render a January switch to Arsenal highly improbable.

10. Arda Güler (Real Madrid)

• Position: Attacking Midfielder

• Likelihood: 3/10

• Analysis: Güler is a promising talent at Real Madrid, and the Spanish giants are unlikely to sanction his departure, especially in January.

The bottom line is the chances of Arsenal being active of the transfer market is virtually zero. With talented youngsters like Nwanieri emerging, perhaps the Gunners can stick rather than twist.

On another note, it sounded as if a kazoo or a very strange trumpet was playing through the PA system at Spurs pre-match  to accompany their traditional song: 'When the saints go marching in.' It was no laughing matter, once the game against Newcastle started. Two goals early on and end-to-end stuff plus VAR controversy. 

I'll be content with a boring win for Arsenal at Brighton later, to tell the truth. Who needs entertainment when it's all about points?